Torque from one pound-force at one foot.
Pound-feet to Centinewton meters Converter — lb ft to cN m
Convert Pound-foot (lb ft) to Centinewton meter (cN m) using the exact conversion factor (1 pound-foot = 135.5817948 centinewton meter). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Pound-feet to Centinewton meters converter
Converter
Engineering Converter
Convert common stress, force, torque, power, and energy units used in engineering.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
Centinewton meter is 0.01 newton meter units.
Result = input x 1.355817948 / 0.01.
Torque units are compatible.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Pound-feet to Centinewton meters
Pound-foot and Centinewton meter both measure a quantity used in structural or mechanical engineering — commonly stress, pressure, force, torque, power, or energy — where converting between the unit conventions used in different regions, industries, or equipment specifications is a routine part of design work. Pound-foot is most often used for us torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening).
Formula
centinewton meters = pound-feet × 135.581794833
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 pound-foot equals 1.35581794833 base units, and 1 centinewton meter equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct pound-foot-to-centinewton meter factor of 135.581794833.
Simple example
1 lb ft × 135.5817948 = 135.5817948 cN m
1 pound-foot = 135.5817948 centinewton meters.
Real-world example
100 lb ft × 135.5817948 = 13,558.17948 cN m
100 pound-feet = 13,558.17948 centinewton meters.
Conversion table
| Pound-foot (lb ft) | Centinewton meter (cN m) |
|---|---|
| 1 lb ft | 135.5817948 cN m |
| 10 lb ft | 1,355.817948 cN m |
| 50 lb ft | 6,779.089742 cN m |
| 100 lb ft | 13,558.17948 cN m |
| 500 lb ft | 67,790.89742 cN m |
| 1,000 lb ft | 135,581.7948 cN m |
Reverse conversion: Centinewton meter to Pound-foot
135.5817948 cN m × 0.007375621493 = 0.9999999998 lb ft
135.5817948 centinewton meters = 0.9999999998 pound-feet.
pound-feet = centinewton meters × 0.00737562149277
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centinewton meter to Pound-foot.
Understanding the Pound-foot
Pound-foot (lb ft) measures torque. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
Where it's used: United States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications)
Pound-foot vs. foot-pound. Pound-foot (torque) and foot-pound (energy/work) use the same two units but measure physically different quantities; US convention typically orders them differently to help distinguish which is meant, though usage isn't always consistent.
Uses of the Pound-foot today
- US torque wrench specifications (bolt tightening)
- US automotive engine torque specifications
- US mechanical and construction trades
History of the Pound-foot
The pound-foot follows from pound-force and the foot, both standardized through English and later international agreements, remaining the standard US automotive and mechanical torque unit even as most other measurements shifted toward metric in engineering contexts.
Historical origin. Pound-foot was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Understanding the Centinewton meter (cN m)
Centinewton meter is 0.01 newton meter units.
Pound-foot — sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Documents the pound-foot's exact newton-meter equivalence.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many centinewton meters are in 1 pound-foot?
1 pound-foot equals 135.5817948 centinewton meters, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert pound-foot to centinewton meter?
Multiply the pound-foot value by 135.5817948. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centinewton meter back to pound-foot?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centinewton meter equals 0.0073756215 pound-feet. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a pound-foot?
Pound-foot (lb ft) measures torque. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. It is classified as a US/imperial customary unit.
What is a centinewton meter?
Centinewton meter (cN m) is a unit of engineering.
Is the pound-foot to centinewton meter conversion exact?
Yes. A pound-foot is the torque from one pound-force applied at one foot of leverage: exactly 1.3558179483314004 newton-meters. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.
What is the difference between pound-foot vs. foot-pound?
Pound-foot (torque) and foot-pound (energy/work) use the same two units but measure physically different quantities; US convention typically orders them differently to help distinguish which is meant, though usage isn't always consistent.
Where is the pound-foot still used today?
United States (automotive and mechanical torque specifications)